How to form comparatives and superlatives: table
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| one syllable: + -er / -est | cheap → cheaper | the cheapest |
| ending in -e: + -r / -st | nice → nicer | the nicest |
| vowel + consonant: double it | big → bigger | the biggest |
| consonant + y: -ier / -iest | happy → happier | the happiest |
| two or more syllables: more / the most | expensive → more expensive | the most expensive |
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| good | better | the best |
| bad | worse | the worst |
| far | farther / further | the farthest / the furthest |
| many / much | more | the most |
| little | less | the least |
Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, -er, -ow, -le often take -er: easy → easier, clever → cleverer, narrow → narrower. But fun → more fun.
Comparatives with than
To compare two things, use than. Make it stronger or softer with much, a lot, far, a bit: much cheaper, a bit older.
My brother is taller than me.
This phone is much more expensive than that one.
The sooner, the better.
Superlatives: the + -est / the most
Superlatives almost always take the. After them use in with places and groups (in the world, in my class) and of with numbers and periods (of all, of the year). For experience add the Present Perfect: the best film I’ve ever seen.
Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
It was the best day of my life.
This is the most interesting book I’ve ever read.
As … as and not as … as
Equality: as + adjective + as. Negative: not as … as.
She is as tall as her mother.
This film isn’t as good as the book.
Common mistakes
What learners of English often say. On the left — the mistake, on the right — the correct version.
Wrong:
She is more tall than me.Right: She is taller than me.
Short adjectives take -er.
Wrong:
It’s more cheaper.Right: It’s cheaper.
Either -er or more, never both.
Wrong:
He is gooder than me.Right: He is better than me.
Good is irregular: better, the best.
Wrong:
She is taller that me.Right: She is taller than me.
Comparisons use than, not that.
Wrong:
It is the biggest city of Ukraine.Right: It is the biggest city in Ukraine.
Places take in.
Wrong:
He is most famous actor.Right: He is the most famous actor.
Superlatives need the.
Check yourself
Quiz: Comparatives and superlatives
12 questions with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up.
bigger · the biggest · more interesting